Tie wire clamp



Feb. 17, 1942. B. HILLBERG TIE WIRE CLAMP Filed Nov. 15, 1940 o 0 Q\ l 0 Patented Feb. 17, 1942 T'IE WIRE CLAMP Bror Hillberg, Chicago, Ill., assignor, by mesne assignments, to Superior Concrete Accessories, Chicago, Ill. a partnership consisting of Lawrence H. Umbach, Ruth M. Umbach, and Bror Hillbel'g Application November 15, 1940, Serial N0. 365,753

7 Claims.

The present invention relates generally to clamps for use in tying together and holding against separation forms for concrete Walls or' like structures. More particularly the invention relates 130 that type of clamp which is known commercially as a tie wire clamp, is adapted 130 be applied to one end of a tie wire extending between and through the forms and comprises: (1) a bracket which is designed to fit around, and abut against, a reenforcing beam such as a stud or wale on the outer face of the form through which the one end of the wire extends; and (2) a wedge element which is associated with the bracket and is adapted to coact with an enlargement on the one end of the tie wire in such manner as to urge the bracket into clamped relation With the beam and thus retain or hold the beam equipped form in conneoted relation with the tie wire.

One object of the invention is 130 provicle a clamp of this type which is generally an improvement upon, and has certain advantages over, previously designed tie wire clamps of the same general character by reason of the fach that lt is of one piece or unitary design.

Another object of the invention is 130 provide a tie wire clamp in which ehe bracket is of- U- shaped design in order to accommodate or receive the reenforcing beam and the wedge element is in the form of an angularly disposed shelf which is formed integrally with one leg of the bracket, has a longitudinally extending slot therein for the end of the tie wire with the enlargement, and operates in response to sliding movement of the bracket on the reenforcing beam to engage the enlargement With a wedge action and to coact therewith in such manner as 120 clamp the bracket firmly against the beam and thus retain the beam equipped form in fixed o1 connected relation wifih the tie wire.

A still further object f the invention is to provide a sie wire clamp which not only is o1 new and improved construotion but also is in the form' of a one piece casting and hence may be manufactured ab an extremely W cost.

Other objects of the invention and the various advantages and characteristics of the present tie wire clamp will be apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description.

The invention consists in the several novel features Which are hereinafter set forth and are more particularly defined by claims ab the conclusion hereof.

In the drawing which accompanies and forms a part of this specification or disclosure and in which like letters and numerals of reference Clenote corresponding parts throughout the severa] views:

Y Figure 1 is a. vertical section of a pair of laterally spaced Wall forming forms with a tie wire therebetween and a clamp embodying one form of the invention applied to one end of the tie wue;

Figure 2 is a front view of the clamp illustrating in detail the construction and. arrangement of the bracket and the wedge forming shelf and showing the manner in which the shelf coacts With the enlargement on the adjacent end of the tie wire to urge the bracket into clarnped relation with the reenforcing beam when the bracket is slid lengthwise of the beam;

Figure 3 is a perspective of the clamp which is shown in Figures 1 and 2;

Figure 4 is a front view of a clamp embodying a second or modified form of the invention; and

Figure 5 is a vertical section on the line 5--5 of Figure 4.

The clamp which is shown in Figures l, 2 and 3 of the drawing oonstitutes one form of the invention. It is essentially of the tie wire variety orfuype and is illustrated in connection With a tie wire W and a pair of wall forming forms F and F The forms are disposed in laterally spaced relation and are adapted 130 have ooncrete poured therebetween for Wall forming purposes. The tie wire W extends across the space between the two forms and together with the clamp serves to prevent separation of the forms during pouring of the concrete. One end of the tie wire W extends through the form F and is anchored to the latter in any suitable manner. The other end of the tie wire extends through a hole f in the form F and projects outwardly beyond the form and in parallel relation with, and close proximity to, a reenforcing beam f such as a stud or Wale on the outer faoe of said form F. The outer extremity of the end of the tie wire which projects through the hole f is provided with an enlargement in the form of a head w. The hole f in the form F is of sufficient size permit the head w to pass therethrough in connectlon with assembly of the tie wire W with respect to the form F. Immediately adjacent the inner end of the hole f the tie wire W is provided with an enlargement w and a Washer w". The washer is mounted snugly on the tie wire W and is interposed between the enlargement w and the inner face of the form F. lt serves 1:0 prevent out-fiow of ooncrete through the hole f in the form F and coacts with the enlargement w so form a stop shoulder whereby inward movement of the form F with respect 170 ehe tie wire W is limited.

The clamp of Figures l, 2 and 3 is associated with ehe projecting end of the tie wire W, i. e., the end with the head w. II. constitutes a medium for holding the form F against the washe r 10 and thus serves to hold the form F in fixed or connected relation with the t-ie wire W. As shown in Figure 3 of the drawing, the clamp constituting the first form of the invention is in the form of a one piece metal casting anal comprises a bracket 6 anal a shelf I. The bra.qket 6 is of U-shaped design and is adaptecl to fit around, ancl sllcle on, tl1e outer portion of the reenforcing beam f of the form F. II. comprises a pa:lr of sicle lege 8 and 9 and an intermediate leg I. The intermedlate leg corfesponds in width to, anal is adapted 110 abut and fit flatly against, the outer face of the reenforcement beam f as shown in Figures 1 and 2. II: has a central cutout II adjacent the side leg 8 for weight reducing purposes and embodies along theiend vedges thereof integral outwarclly extending reenforcing ribs I2. The leg 8is in the form of a pair of hocke anal these extend inwardly and ab right angles to the intermediate leg II! and are designed to fit against, and to sllde on, the side face of the reenforcing beam f that is farther from the projecting er heacl equipped end of the tie wire W. Outwardly extending end ribs I3 in the nature of continuations of the ribs I2 serve t reenforce the hocks constlouting the side leg 8. The side leg 9 of the bracket 6 extends invvardly from, and ab right angles to, the intermediate leg I0 anal is adapted to fit against, and slide on, the side face of the reenforeing beam f that is directly opposite the head equipped end of the tie wlre W. II; is longer than the side leg 8 anti has a1; the ends thereof outwardly extending ribs I4 for reenforcing purposes. The ribs I 4 are coplanar with, anal a1e in the nature of c ontinuations cf, the ribs I2. The side legs 8 ancl 9 are spaced apart by theintermedlate leg III a distance substantially equal 130 the width of the reenforcing beam f with the result that they fit firmly against the sicle faces of the reenforcing beam When the bracket 6 is in platze.

The shelf I is associated With the side leg 9 of the bracket 6 and constitutes the wedge element of the clamp of Figures l, 2 and 3. II; fits between, and is joined ab its ends to, the outer ends of the I'lbs M, as shown in Figure 3, am]. extends at right angles 110 the leg 9. As illustrated in the drawing the shelf I extends ab an acute angle With respect to the intermediate leg II) of the bracket 6 anal has a longitudinally extending slot I5. The 10W end of the slot I5, that is, the end that is farther from the leg II), has a circular enlargement I6 120 permit the head w of the tie wire W 130 nass therethrough. The main portion of the slot I corresponcls in wldth to the tie wire W and is narrower than the head w. II. is adaptecl to receive the projecting end of the I:ie wire When I;he clamp is in its operative position. When the clamp is in place the head w o-f the nie wre W fits againsc the outer face of the Shell I, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. When the clamp is driven in the direction of ehe end of the slot I5 with the enlargement I5 the head w rides toward the outer er high end of the shelf I and as a result of the Wedge action which is produced the clamp is brought into clamped relation with the reenforclng beam f and. serves 0 ho d the o m F in amped relation ag.ainst the washer w In oraler reenforce the shelf I against bending o1 fracture in connection With use of the clamp a web I'I is provided. This web is joined to, and projects inwardly from, the outer marglns of the shelf I end is connected. ab its ends to the reenforcing ribs I4.

The clamp of Figures 1 2 ancl 3 is assembled by first placing the bracket 6 around the outer portion of I:he reenforcing beam f in such manner that the head w 0f the tie wire W is in alignment With the enlargement I6 of the slot I5. Thereafter the clamp is shifted inwarcls in order I;o bring the head w of the tie wire W through the enlargement I6 into a position wherein lt is outwards of the shelf I. After this operation the clamp is hammered or othervvise driven in the direction of the enlargement I6. During this Operation the clamp moves relatively w the projecting or head equipped end of the tie wire and the head rides up on the shelf 'I. Because of the angularity of the shelf there is a wedge action which causes the clamp to move inwa1cls into clamped relation with the reenforcing beam f that is, a position where iI- holcls the form F in firm abutment with the washer w on the tie Wire W. When lt is desired 130 dismanole the clamp after pouring and harclening of I3he concrete between the forms F anti F ehe clamp is driven in the dlrection of the high end of the shelf I. 'Ihis brings the clamp out; of wedged relation With the head w and permits lt to be removed from the projecting end of the tle wire W. Upon removal of the clamp from the end cf the I:ie wire the form F is released for remova1 from the concrete Wall.

The clamp of Figures 1, 2 and 3 effectively anal efficlently fulfills its intended purpose and because lt is in ehe form of a one piece casting it may be produced at a 10W anal reasonable cost. II; may be assembled and dismantled with facility and is adapted or designed 130 be used With like clamps and tie Wires. Whereas only a single clamp has been shown lt is to be understood that in practice a lil e o1 similar clamp may, if desired, be used on the end of I;he tie Wire W that projects through the form F The clamp 0f Figures 4 ancl 5 constitutes a second or modlfied f0rm of the invention. It is substancially the same as I1he clamp of Figures l, 2 and 3 exeept that lt is expressly designed and adapted for use in cennectlon with a tie wire haVing a hook w? at the extremiy of its projecting end. As shown in Flgures 4 anal 5 the modified form cf clamp is in the form of a one piece cast-ing ancl comprises a U-shaped bracket I8 and a wedge type shelf III. The bracket I8 is I3he same in design anal construction as the bracket 6. The shelf I5] is associated with, and connectecl to, the lang leg of the bracket I8 and is disposed ab an acute angle With respect to the intermediate leg of said bracket I8. II, functions like the shelf "II an d is provided with a longitudinally extending U-shapecl slot 23. The center or intermediate portlon of the shelf constitutes a tongue 2I for receiving and engaging slidably the bent portiqn of the hook w The central pertion of the slot 28 is posltionecl at the 10W end Qf' the shelf I9 anal permits the hook w eo pass thro ugh the shelf ancl be manipulaoed into hooked relation with the tongue 2I. One of the sicle portions of the U-shaped slot 2II is adapted to receive the main portion cf the projecting end of the tie wire and the other sicle portion 0f said slot is adapted, as shown in Figure 4, 130 receive the inturned or inwardly bent part of the hook w The elamp of Figures 4 and 5 is applied or assembled by first manipulating the bracket I8 into straddled relati0n with the outer portion of the reenforcing beam cf the form with which the clamp is to be used and then positioning the clamp so that the curved central or intermediate portion 01 the slo1; 20 in the shelf I9 is in alignment with the hook w Thereafter the clamp is moved inwards in order to bring 1:he hook through the slot in the shelf I9. After this step or operabion the clamp is driven in the direction of the 10W end of the shelf. 'I'his causes the hook w 1:0 ride up on the t0ngue 21 and results in clamping of the clamp 00 the reenforcing beam. When 1;he clamp is in place the unbent part 0r portion of the hook 10 is coufined within the adjacent side portion cf the s101; 20 and henc'e there is no likelihood cf the hook being bent open in response 1:0 the wedge action which is produced during driving of the clamp into place.

The invention is no1; to be understood as restricted 1:0 the details sei: forth since these may be modified within the scope cf the appended claims without departing fr0m the spirit and scope cf the invention.

Having thus described the invention what I claim as new and desire 130 secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A clamp adapted fo r application 130 a tie having one end thereof anchored and its other end provided with an enlargement at its extremity and projecting through and bey0nd a f0rm with a reenforcing beam 011 its Guter face acljacent the projecting end cf the tie, and comprising a bracket shaped to fit around, and slide longitudinally on, the outer part cf the beam,

and an angularly disposed shelf at one side of the bracket having a s101: therein for receiving said projecting end of the tie and adapted in response 130 sliding movement cf the bracket in one direction relatively 170 the beam 130 engage the enlargement With a wedge action and to coact therewith in such manner as t0 urge the bracket into clamped relation with the beam and hold the beam and form in connected relation with the tie.

2. A clamp adapted for application 130 a tie having one end thereof anchored and its einher end provided with an enlargement ab its extremity and projecting through and beyond a form with a reenforcing beam on its outer face adjacent the projecting end 0f the tie, and comprising a U-shaped bracket shaped 110 straddle and slide longitudinally 0n the outer part of the beam, and an angularly disposed shelf c0nnected 1:0, and projecting outwardly from, one cf the side legs of the bracket provided With a longitudinal slot therein for receiving said projecting end of the tie, and adapted in response to sliding movement 0f the bracket in one direction relatively 1:0 the beam 130 engage the enla-rgement with a Wedge action and. 120 coact therewith in such manner as to urge the bracket into clamped relation With the beam and hold the beam and form in connected relation with the tie.

3, A clamp adapted for application to a hie having one end thereof anchored and its other end provided With an enlargement a1: i1:s extremity and projecting through and. beyond a form with a reenforcing beam on its outer face adjacent the projecting end cf the tie, and comprising a U-shaped bracket shaped to straddle, and slicle lengthwise cf, the outer par1: 0f the beam and having one side leg thereof longer than the other, and an angularly disposed shelf connected t0 and projecting radially fr0m, the root portion of the long side leg 0f the bracket, provided with a slot therein for receiving said projectingend of the sie, and adapted in resp0nse 130 sliding movementof the bracket in one direction relatively t0 the beam 130 engage the enlargement with a wedge action and coac1; therewith in such manner as 1:0 urge the bracket into clamped relation with the beam and hold the beam and fortn in connected relation With the tie.

4. A clamp adapted for application 1:0 a tie having one end thereof anchored and its other end provided with an enlargement a1: its extremity and projecting through and beyond a form with a reenforcing beam on its outer face adjacent the projecting end of the tie, and comprising a bracketshaped 170 fit around, and slide lengthwise cf, the outer part cf the beam, and an angularly disposed shelf connected 1:0, and projecting outwardly from, one side 0f the bracket and. having formed therein a longitudinal slot adapted 110 receive said projecting end 0f the tie and having at its 10W end an enlargemen1; 170 permit of insertion therethrough of the enlargement at said extremity cf the projecting end of the tie, said shelf being adapted in response t0 sliding movement 015 the bracket in one direction relatively to the beam and after insertion cf the tie enlargement through the enlargement a1: the 10W end of the 51011 to engage said tie enlargement with a Wedge action and coact therewith in such manner as to urge the bracket into clamped relation With the beam and hold. the beam and form in connected relation with the tie.

5. A one piece cast metal clamp adapted for application 120 a nie wire having one end thereof anchored and its other end provided with a head a1; its extremity and projecting through and beyond a form with a reenforcing beam on its outer face adjacent the projecting end of the nie wire, and comprising a U-shaped bracket shaped to straddle, and slide longitudinally 0n, the outer part of. the beam, and an angularly disposed shelf connected to, and projecting laterally from, one of the side legs of the bracket and provided with a longitudinal slot adapted 120 receive the projecting end of the tie wire and embodying at its 10W end an enlargement for permitting the head cf the tie wire 120 pass ther(athrough said shelf being adapted in response sliding m0vement of the bracket in 1:he direction of the enlargement so engage the head With a wedge action and c0act therewith in such manner as to urge the bracket into clamped relation with the beam and hold the beam and form in connected relation with the tie.

6. A clamp adapted f0r application to a tire wire having one end thereof anchored and its other end provided With a hook ab its extremity and projecting through and beyond a form With a reenforcing beam on its outer face adjacent the projecting end of the tie wire, and comprising a bracket shaped to fit around, and siide longitudinally on, the outer part 0f the beam, and a tongue connected to, and spacecl laterally from, one side of the bracket and having an angularly disposed outer edge adapted 1:0 receive the hook of the tie wire and further adapted in response to sliding movement of the bracket in one direction relatively to the beam to engage the hook with a wedge action and to coact therewith in such manner as '00 urge the bracket into clamped relation With the beam and hold ehe beam and form in connected relation with the tie.

'7. A clamp adapted for application to a tie wire having one end thereof anchored and its other end provided with a hook ab its extremity and projecting through and beyond a form with a reenforcing beam on it-s unter face adjacent the projecting end of the tie wire, and comprising a U-shaped bracket shaped to straddle, and slide lengthwise of, the outer part of the beam, and 15 an angularly disposed shelf connected to, and projecting laterally from, one side of the bracket and provided With a longitudinally extending U-shaped slot adapted to receive the hook of the tie wire and arranged so that the neutral portion thereof is disposed at the 10W end of the shelf and permits the hook 120 pass therethrough, said shelf being adapted in response to sliding movement of the bracket in one direction relatively to the beam to engage the hook with a wedge action and coact therewith in such man ner as to urge the bracket into clamped relation With the beam and hold the beam and form in connected relation with the tie.

BROR HILLBERG. 

